Photos by : Bartow Con LLC

When the gates of Mosaic Park swung open on the morning of Saturday, February 21, 2026, something remarkable was already clear — the SYFY Bartow Festival had officially outgrown its origins and stepped into a bold new era. What began over a decade ago as a modest gathering of geek culture enthusiasts in downtown Bartow, Florida, had transformed into one of central Florida’s most anticipated free community events, drawing families, cosplayers, collectors, and curious newcomers from across the region for its 12th annual celebration.

This year’s theme, “Animation Invasion,” set the tone for a day that was equal parts nostalgic and electric, honoring the beloved animated universes that have shaped generations of fans while delivering the kind of all-ages spectacle that has become the festival’s trademark. And for the first time, all of it unfolded at a new permanent home — Mosaic Park, also known as the Bartow Fairgrounds — a venue with the space and infrastructure to match the event’s growing ambitions.

A New Home, A New Chapter

The move to Mosaic Park was no small decision. For years, the festival had called downtown Bartow its home, and that setting carried a certain charm — the kind of small-town main street character that made the event feel personal and intimate. But as crowds continued to grow and the scope of programming expanded, it became clear that a larger canvas was needed. Organizers at Bartow Con LLC worked alongside Bartow Parks, Recreation and Cultural Center to secure the fairgrounds location, and the partnership paid off immediately.

The new venue offered wide open outdoor space for the themed car show, a dedicated Cosplay Village, multiple vendor corridors, food areas, live performance stages, and room for kids’ activities — all spread out in a way that allowed attendees to move freely and comfortably throughout the day. Families with strollers, groups of costumed teens, and even attendees who brought their dogs found the layout accommodating and easy to navigate. Yes, even four-legged family members were welcome, reinforcing the festival’s commitment to being a genuinely inclusive community event.

One of the Largest TV and Movie-Themed Car Shows

Among the day’s most jaw-dropping attractions was the themed car show, which organizers describe as one of the largest of its kind in the entire country. Dozens of vehicles were on display, each one drawn from or inspired by iconic moments in television and film history. From the instantly recognizable curves of the DeLorean time machine to vehicles inspired by everything from Ghostbusters to The Dukes of Hazzard, the car show was as much a museum exhibit as it was a festival attraction. Fans of all ages wandered the rows snapping photos, and for many attendees, it became one of the most memorable parts of the day — a living, driveable tribute to the pop culture touchstones that define so many childhoods.

Celebrity Guests and Fan Connections

One of the defining features of the SYFY Bartow Festival has always been its ability to bring fans into genuine, accessible contact with the people behind their favorite stories. This year was no exception. Guest stars from the wildly popular Netflix series Stranger Things made appearances at the event, with Joe Davison, Kevin Kedgley, and Austin Janowsky all in attendance. In an era where celebrity interactions at conventions can often feel transactional or distanced, the atmosphere at Bartow offered something different — a smaller, more personal environment where fans could actually connect with the guests in a meaningful way. For many attendees, particularly younger fans of the show, meeting cast members in person at a free local event was an experience they will not soon forget.

The Cosplay Village and Costume Competitions

Cosplay has always been at the heart of what makes events like this special, and the dedicated Cosplay Village at this year’s festival gave costume creators the stage they deserved. Competitors of all ages participated in costume contests, showcasing everything from hand-crafted armor to screen-accurate character builds that rivaled professional productions. The energy in the Cosplay Village reflected the broader spirit of the event — creative, welcoming, and deeply enthusiastic. Whether a child was dressed as their favorite animated character in honor of the Animation Invasion theme or an adult had spent months constructing an elaborate fantasy ensemble, the festival treated every costume as worthy of celebration.

Friday Night Kickoff: Movie in the Park

The festivities actually began the evening before the main event, on Friday, February 20, with a “Movie in the Park” kickoff night at Mosaic Park. The featured film was DC League of Super Pets, screened on a giant outdoor display as families gathered on the grounds with blankets and lawn chairs. It was a warm, communal way to build excitement ahead of the main event and gave the festival a genuine two-day feel. The Friday screening also underscored the organizers’ vision for what the SYFY Bartow Festival can be — not just a single-day gathering, but an experience that brings the community together around shared stories and shared spaces.

Hundreds of Vendors, Live Music, and Lightsaber Demonstrations

Throughout the day, hundreds of vendors filled the grounds with art, collectibles, handmade goods, and pop culture merchandise of every variety. Live music provided a constant soundtrack to the festivities, while lightsaber demonstrations drew crowds of wide-eyed children and more than a few enthusiastic adults. Food vendors ensured no one went hungry, with options spanning the kinds of hearty, festival-style fare that makes outdoor events feel like celebrations. The overall atmosphere was one of joyful chaos — the good kind, where every corner of the grounds offered something new to discover.

Looking Ahead: Stranger Bartow 2027

With the 2026 festival now in the books, organizers are wasting no time looking toward the future. The theme for the 2027 SYFY Bartow Festival has already been announced: “Stranger Bartow,” a full-on tribute to the world of Stranger Things, wrapped in the neon glow and mysterious atmosphere of the 1980s. Given that this year’s event already featured cast members from the show, the 2027 edition promises to double down on that connection in spectacular fashion.

For a free, community-driven event in central Florida, the SYFY Bartow Festival continues to punch well above its weight. The move to Mosaic Park hasn’t just given the festival more room — it has given it room to grow into something truly extraordinary. Animation Invasion was a statement. Stranger Bartow is a promise.